N0016426SCA004 AOI - Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR)

Key Dates

Due Date

Posted Date

Agency & Value

Agency

NSWC CRANE

Contract Value

Not provided

Codes & Classification

Solicitation Number

N0016426SCA004

NAICS

Classification Code

AC33

Additional Details

Set Aside

None

Place of Performance

SourceSAM

Documents1

The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane, operating under the Department of the Navy and the Department of Defense, has issued a Special Notice (Procurement Identifier: N0016426SCA004) seeking innovative solutions for the Hypervelocity Improved Capability Assault Rifle (HICAR) program. This Area of Interest (AOI) is part of a broader effort to enhance the operational effectiveness of U.S. Special Operations Forces (SOF) by developing a next-generation carbine system that surpasses the capabilities of the current URG-I (Upper Receiver Group - Improved) platform. **Purpose and Scope** The HICAR initiative aims to identify, develop, and prototype a carbine system that leverages advancements in material science and weapon design. The primary objective is to provide SOF operators with a technically superior individual weapon system capable of firing both legacy 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition and emerging hypervelocity 5.56x45mm rounds. The envisioned system must extend the effective engagement range of the standard SOF carbine from the current 300 meters to 600 meters or beyond, while maintaining the portability and ergonomics characteristic of lightweight carbines. **Key Requirements and Objectives** The HICAR program is structured around several critical technology priorities and performance attributes: - **Ammunition Compatibility:** The weapon must reliably accept and cycle both standard 5.56x45mm NATO and hypervelocity ammunition, including government-supplied M855A1+ loaded to 82kpsi and future experimental rounds. - **Durability and Longevity:** The system must be engineered to withstand increased chamber pressures and bolt thrust associated with hypervelocity ammunition, ensuring operator safety and extended service life. - **Interoperability:** Full compatibility with USSOCOM’s existing suite of Visual Augmentation Systems and Weapon Accessories (VASWA) is mandatory. - **Primary Technical Attributes:** These include chambering in 5.56x45mm NATO, compatibility with the M4A1 lower receiver group (ideally with zero modifications), a barrel length of 11-12 inches, safe operation in accordance with TOP 3-2-045, and the use of the HUXWRX Flow 556k L “Black Magic” suppressor for testing. - **Secondary Technical Attributes:** These encompass stringent accuracy standards (mean radius of 1 MOA, ideally 0.5 MOA), weight and length limits, robust rail systems, recoil management, high reliability (MRBS and MRBF targets), extended barrel life, ambidextrous controls, corrosion resistance, environmental survivability, and compliance with relevant MIL-STD specifications. A complete HICAR system is expected to include the weapon, heat mitigation rail covers, a multi-point adjustable buttstock, seven Magpul Gen3 556 magazines, field maintenance and cleaning kits, and comprehensive user and maintenance manuals in both hard copy and digital formats. **Procurement Process and Deliverables** The procurement follows a phased approach under the Commercial Solutions Opening (CSO) process (referencing CSO N0016425SC0001): - **Phase I – White Papers:** Interested parties must submit a solution brief (white paper) detailing technical approach, estimated cost per weapon, prototype delivery timeline, risk assessment, and specific optimizations for hypervelocity ammunition. Submissions must include images and demonstrate a minimum Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of 6. White papers are due by June 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM EST. - **Phase II – Pitch Day:** Selected proposers will be invited to an in-person pitch and live weapon demonstration at the US Army Marksmanship Unit Parks Range, Fort Moore, GA. Proposers must provide up to three prototypes for government testing and participate in a 30-minute presentation and Q&A session. - **Phase III – Request for Prototype Proposal (RPP):** The RPP process will align with the original CSO, and may lead to a prototype Other Transactions (OT) agreement. Successful completion of the prototype phase may result in a follow-on production contract or transaction without further competition, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 4022(f). **Eligibility and Special Considerations** Eligibility is governed by 10 U.S.C. 4022(d), requiring participation by at least one nontraditional defense contractor or nonprofit research institution, all significant participants being small businesses or nontraditional defense contractors, or at least one-third of the prototype project cost being funded by non-federal sources. Proposers must ensure that their supply chain does not rely on components from adversary countries as defined by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), or must fully document and mitigate such reliance. All information submitted will be treated confidentially and used solely for evaluation purposes. Contractors from Frontier Technology Inc. Defense (FTI Defense) and IQ SIG will advise the assessment team, but proposers’ proprietary information will be protected. **Contracting Entity and Contact Information** - **Contracting Entity:** NSWC CRANE (Office, Organization Key: 100076494) - **Department:** Department of Defense, Department of the Navy - **Product Service Code:** AC33 - **Primary Contact:** Bradly McLaughlin, [email protected], 812-227-9167 - **Secondary Contact:** Scotland McKinzie, [email protected], 812-259-4031 **Location and Timeline** - **Pitch Day Location:** US Army Marksmanship Unit Parks Range, Fort Moore, GA 31905 - **Key Dates:** - White papers due: June 8, 2026 - Vendor notification for pitch: June 29, 2026 - Pitch meetings: September 15-16, 2026 **Summary for Contractors** This opportunity represents a significant and forward-looking procurement for advanced small arms technology, with the potential for substantial follow-on production. Contractors with expertise in weapon system design, advanced materials, and integration of emerging ammunition technologies are encouraged to review the detailed requirements and consider submitting a white paper. The program emphasizes technical innovation, reliability, and compatibility with current and future SOF operational needs. All interested parties should ensure compliance with eligibility requirements and be prepared for a rigorous, multi-phase evaluation process. For further details and to access the original solicitation and attachments, visit the official SAM.gov opportunity page: https://sam.gov/opp/5c94ef3e33114377a7aae82004ebded7/view.